Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Derrick Henry could find himself in movie if he hits milestone this season

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 10:00 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has some added incentive to reach the 2,000-yard mark during the 2025 season, and it has nothing to do with his new two-year, $30 million contract extension. It's so he can find himself cast in an upcoming Adam Sandler movie.

The actor and director made a bet with the Ravens' superstar running back that if he rushes for more than 2,000 yards this season, he can have a spot in an upcoming movie.

The bet originated when Henry made an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Friday, with Henry commenting on a sweatshirt that Sandler had given to Patrick. It was at that point that Henry told the host to inform Sandler that he was a big fan of his work, the next time the two spoke.

That resulted in Patrick helping to secure the bet with Sandler.

Henry found out about this week.

Adam Sandler's keeping his side of the bet... now it's your turn @KingHenry_2! @Ravens RB Derrick Henry reacts to his favorite actor, @AdamSandler, promising him a spot in an upcoming movie with a 2,000 yard season in 2025 pic.twitter.com/5PaSboZczI
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 6, 2025

There have only been nine 2,000-yard rushing seasons in NFL history (including Saquon Barkley during the 2024 season), so it's definitely a long shot to expect Henry to get there. But if anybody in the NFL is capable of doing it this season, Henry might be one of the players most likely to do so. Especially since he has already done it, rushing for 2,027 yards during the 2020 season.

Henry nearly reached it in his first season with the Ravens in 2024, finishing with 1,921 yards.

He is still one of the best running backs in football and is playing in an offense that is not only built around the run, but largely built around him. Given how close he came in 2024, he might certainly be able to make a run at it this season.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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